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MISSISSIPPI (Law passed in 2010; the weakest of the nation’s 42 charter laws)
There are no charter schools open under the nation’s worst law, a law considered one “in name only.” It was passed only to increase odds of winning money in federal Race to the Top competition, which Mississippi did not win.
INDEPENDENT OR MULTIPLE AUTHORIZERS – NO APPROVAL
State Board of Education
APPEAL
None
OPERATIONAL AUTONOMY STATE
No. Exemptions must be requested on a case-by-case basis and most rules cannot be exempted. Virtual schools are allowed. ESP management contracts restricted.
LOCAL
No. Ultimate control remains with district.
TEACHER FREEDOM
No. Teachers are considered employees of the school district. Teachers must participate in state’s retirement system.
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS ALLOWED CAP
Conversions only. Twelve conversions allowed in six years with geographic limitations. Only schools deemed failing for three years or conversions of low-performing schools allowed.
EQUITY STUDENT FUNDING
Funds pass through district. Amount and delivery left to discretion of district, which controls schools.
FACILITIES FUNDS
No Additional Funds.
“In addition to receiving state funds for operations…public schools converted to conversion charter school status receive equitable state and federal funding compared to traditional public schools, as required by the federal “Race to the Top” program.” [§ 37-165-25.]
IMPLEMENTATION POINTS -3
Three points are deducted because the state has imposed a restrictive cap and is not encouraging or working to improve charter environment.
LINK TO THE MISSISSIPPI CHARTER SCHOOL LAW THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CHARTER SCHOOL LAW
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